Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Olusegun Osoba, have commended the resilience and longevity of Champion Newspapers Limited, describing its sustained relevance as a testament to professionalism and commitment to responsible journalism.
The commendations were made at the Champion Newspapers Awards 2025, held on March 14 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual awards ceremony honoured over 50 individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions across government, business, and private enterprise. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s respected recognition platforms, the event attracted key stakeholders from government, academia, traditional institutions, and the private sector.
Among top awardees, Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, received the Governor of the Year on Youth Development and Security, while two commissioners under Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu earned the Star Performance Award 2025.
The Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, emerged Man of the Year, while the agency also received Most Innovative and Outstanding Public Agency of the Year.
In the banking sector, Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, was named Banker of the Year, while Access Bank Plc clinched Bank of the Year. Other notable recognitions included Globus Bank Limited as Most Innovative Bank of the Year and Moniepoint MFB as Fintech Company of the Year.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Daniel described the awards as a celebration of excellence, courage, and enterprise.
“The Annual Champion Awards is a night dedicated to celebrating excellence, courage, enterprise and remarkable individuals whose contributions have helped shape the progress of our nation. This ceremony is not merely an awards event, it is a special moment of recognition,” he said.
He paid tribute to the late founder of Champion Newspapers, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noting that his vision had built one of Nigeria’s enduring media institutions.
“His foresight, his courage, his unwavering belief in the power of responsible journalism has today become one of Nigeria’s most enduring media institutions,” Daniel added.
The senator further praised the organisation’s ability to navigate changes in media and technology, describing its consistency as “remarkable.”
Similarly, Osoba commended the management and staff for sustaining the publication over decades, noting that such longevity reflects dedication and commitment.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, used the platform to reiterate the state government’s commitment to structured urban development.
“You cannot build your estate without layout… In Lagos, you have to comply with our laws,” he said, stressing the importance of regulatory compliance in property development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted progress under the state’s electrification initiatives.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has done a great job… Until we have electrified your homes, we are not done. Lagos must electrify every corner,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said the awards reflect the organisation’s commitment to promoting excellence, integrity, and accountability.
“We gather at a time when our country faces complex challenges… Yet, within these challenges lie immense opportunities,” she noted.
She added that the awardees exemplify the values needed to drive national development and urged them to embrace greater responsibility.
In a notable moment, veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, revealed that the late Iwuanyanwu played a pivotal role in his early life.
Receiving the Champion of the Voiceless of the Year Award, he said:
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was the first fan of Charly Boy… I can never forget that. I am here in memory of a great man who helped me financially and emotionally.”
Charly Boy also noted that he is selective about accepting awards, emphasizing the importance of credibility in recognition platforms.
Over the years, the Champion Newspapers Limited Awards have evolved into a major platform for celebrating leadership, innovation, and service across Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, reinforcing the importance of integrity and excellence in national development
